ComputeRice: Arduino-Based Automated Rice Drying System with Integrated Real-Time Process Monitoring

This study presents ComputeRice: Arduino-Based Automated Rice Drying System with Integrated Real-Time Process Monitoring, designed to improve the efficiency of postharvest drying. The system uses a combination of sensors (DHT22, a capacitive moisture sensor, and an infrared proximity sensor), an Arduino Uno, and a controlled heating-and-airflow mechanism within a custom drying chamber. The software was developed using Java, C++, Java Swing, Model-View-Controller (MVC) Architecture, and MySQL.
The ComputeRice was tested using multiple rice samples. A semi-controlled experimental setup was used to evaluate system performance across load capacities of 3 kg, 5 kg, and 7 kg of rice, each tested in five replicates. The results showed a substantial reduction in drying time compared to traditional sun drying, with the system achieving a decrease of approximately 75%–77% while consistently reaching the target moisture content of 14%.
Energy consumption ranged from 0.8 to 1.5 kWh per batch, with improved efficiency at higher loads (0.21–0.27 kWh/kg). This corresponds to an estimated operating cost of ₱2.28–₱3.69 per kilogram. Despite the system requiring electrical energy, it provides faster, more consistent drying that is unaffected by weather conditions.
User evaluation with 10 local farmers indicated high usability and satisfaction, and consistent grain quality was observed across trials. The findings suggest that the system provides a reliable, climate-resilient alternative for small- to medium-scale rice drying. Future improvements may focus on integrating renewable energy sources to enhance sustainability.

Automated Rice Drying, Real-time monitoring

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